Where your votes are going! With Ralph Hall

HALL SUPPORTS JOBS, ENERGY BILLS
THAT HOLD EPA ACCOUNTABLE

WASHINGTON, DC . . . This week, Rep. Ralph Hall (TX-04) voted in favor of three bills to encourage job creation and economic growth through responsible domestic energy production. The bills – the Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act, the Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act of 2013, and the Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act – address multiple forms of energy production, reflecting Rep. Hall’s commitment to true “all-of-the-above” energy solutions.

“At a time when so many Americans are struggling, it is my goal to help people achieve personal security – first and foremost, security with their jobs and their finances,” said Hall. “One of the best ways we can encourage job creation and economic growth is through the pursuit of all-of-the-above energy solutions that utilize the abundant resources we have in our own backyard. New energy production not only would create much-needed job opportunities, but also would lower energy costs for families and provide relief at the gas pumps and in the pocketbooks of hardworking taxpayers.”

Hall continued, “The three House bills passed this week hold the EPA accountable and would modernize the application process for several forms of energy by establishing firm timelines and removing unnecessary red tape. This would allow for more efficient and effective development of America’s natural resources, and would also move our country toward energy independence.”

 “The President has an opportunity to join Republicans in pursuit of true ‘all-of-the-above’ energy solutions that would revitalize America’s economy and create jobs – these are the top priorities of my constituents and the majority of Americans.” 

The three pro-energy bills passed by the House this week include:

H.R. 1900, Natural Gas Pipeline Permitting Reform Act: This bill would require the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to approve or deny pipeline applications no later than 12 months after receiving a complete application. It also requires relevant federal agencies to approve or deny the permit application within 90 days after FERC’s environmental document is completed. If agencies fail to respond in a timely manner, the permit will automatically go into effect.

H.R. 1965, Federal Lands Jobs and Energy Security Act of 2013: This bill would reform leasing and permitting delays for oil shale and natural gas production, and would also ensure funds are available for efficient wind and solar permitting. Reforms include: 

  Prohibiting the Secretary of the Interior from taking away already sold leases or making rule changes after leases and contracts are finalized; 

  Ensuring energy projects are not indefinitely delayed by frivolous lawsuits by setting responsible timelines;

  Requiring the Secretary of the Interior to develop an all-of-the-above energy plan every four years with clear production objectives; 

  Streamlining the permitting process to ensure lease sales at the National   Petroleum Reserve in Alaska actually lead to energy being produced and transported;

  Allowing Native American tribes to develop energy sources on their own land, should they choose to do so.

H.R. 2728, Protecting States’ Rights to Promote American Energy Security Act: This bill limits the Administration’s ability to impose costly, duplicative federal regulations on hydraulic fracturing by protecting states from federal regulations if the states already enforce their own regulations. 

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- J.B. Blocker is a media consultant based in Collin County in North Texas. Advertise with J.B. by calling 469-334-9962.